Conditions History

“A nine-mile loop in a beautiful wildlife haven at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.”

Dogs
Leashed

Features
Birding · Views · Wildlife

Runner Notes

May have swampy areas along the trail depending on the season.

Description

This nine-mile loop trail, which starts and ends at the visitor center, will give runners a great tour of the area. Along the way, you can also connect to the Turkey Link Trail and the Bobcat Link Trail for a longer or shorter outing as you desire.

En route, you'll be immersed in a number of habitats that are home to many native plants and animals, including more than 74 protected species.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is responsible for conserving the grassy forests of longleaf pine that used to be found across the state. This loop heads through pine flatwoods, which create a backdrop for other biological communities (cypress domes, scrubby flatwoods, scrub, sandhills and a beautiful strand swamp).

Flora & Fauna

Longleaf pine, wiregrass and saw palmetto dominate the landscape. A forest of red, black and white mangroves borders the St. Sebastian River. A number of rare plants, including several lilies, occur naturally.

Wildlife found in this area of the park includes Florida scrub jays, red-cockaded woodpeckers, Bachman’s sparrows, Eastern indigo snakes, bald eagles and gopher tortoises.